Leibniz in Hanover

In 2016, Hanover celebrated one of the last universal geniuses. The 370th anniversary of his birth and the 300th anniversary of his death (November 14, 2016) were commemorated worldwide. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz died in the capital of Lower Saxony—and his discoveries and inventions changed the world. He invented the first calculating machine, a replica of which can be seen today at the University of Hannover, named after him. He developed the binary number system with zero and one, on which computer technology is based. And he also tackled practical problems: for example, he designed windmills in the Harz Mountains and Europe’s largest fountain in the Herrenhausen Gardens in Hannover. On his drawing board, he designed chain mail, submarine blueprints, serrated nails—the precursors to dowels—and iron-rimmed wheels that run on rollers, for easier transport over rough terrain. He did not, however, invent the famous Leibniz cookie—but it carries his name from Hanover around the world.

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Geocaching in Leibniz’s Footsteps

With major exhibitions and festivals for the whole family, themed tours and walking tours, as well as cultural and scientific events, Hanover commemorated its famous citizen for an entire year. At the Leibniz Library, “1716—Leibniz’s Final Year” was the focus of an exhibition on Baroque dreams of omniscience. The Wilhelm Busch Museum, on the other hand, presented “Leibnix—The Universal Genius in Caricature, Graphic Novels, and Everyday Life.” The August Kestner Museum dedicated its exhibition “Leibniz Cakes, India Pralines, Pelikano” to famous products and advertising “made in Hannover.” And the geocaching tour “Leibniz Ge(o)mysteries” also attracted active vacationers. “At every turn, visitors encountered the genius in his hometown. His dazzling versatility still amazes us today,” says Beate Fuchs, travel expert at the consumer portal Ratgeberzentrale.de. All offerings for the Leibniz Year are listed at www.hannover.de/leibniz.

A Chat with Tsar Peter the Great

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Leibniz lived in Hanover for 40 years, but he also traveled extensively and met the leading minds of his time. He was a legal scholar, philosopher, mathematician, diplomat, historian, and political advisor of the early Enlightenment all rolled into one. He spoke eight languages, discussed astronomy and navigation with the Russian Tsar Peter the Great, convinced Elector Frederick III of Brandenburg to found an Academy of Sciences in Berlin, and became its first president in 1700. However, this polymath remained based in Hanover: The “Leibniz House,” where he lived, can be admired today as a replica in the old town.

Published:14.01.2016

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Universal genius

Leibniz in Hanover

Leibniz compact: Leibniz locations, events, actionbounds, geocaching, tours and insights into life and work.

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